Economic Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), established in 1999, serves as the UN system's focal point for coordinating disaster reduction efforts and ensuring synergies across global and regional activities. Headquartered in Geneva, UNDRR monitors progress on the Sendai Framework, supports its implementation, and raises global awareness. The organization aims to accelerate support to member states and facilitate financing for disaster risk reduction. This role is within the Inter-governmental processes, Inter-agency cooperation and Partnerships Branch in Geneva.
Job Purpose
This Economic Affairs Officer role contributes to UNDRR's mission by providing substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies and engaging with national governments and partners to accelerate financing and risk-informed investment. The incumbent will monitor economic developments, conduct studies, and draft policy recommendations. A key aspect involves coordinating the financing for disaster risk reduction catalytic area, engaging the private financial sector, and undertaking missions to member states to advise on economic development issues. The role also includes preparing analyses, conducting training, and supporting the planning and evaluation of UNDRR policies and programming on risk-informed investment. Additionally, the officer will prepare speeches and inputs for senior staff and support junior staff, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the branch's work.
Responsibilities
The Economic Affairs Officer will monitor economic developments and identify emerging issues for the UN. Responsibilities include designing and conducting economic development studies, drafting policy recommendations, and formulating strategies for intergovernmental bodies. The role involves coordinating with regional offices to support UN Country Teams and national governments in accelerating access to financing and risk-informed investment, and preparing presentations for senior staff. The incumbent will provide substantive support on economic matters to intergovernmental bodies like the General Assembly and ECOSOC, and represent the organizational unit at international meetings. Furthermore, the officer will coordinate the financing for disaster risk reduction initiatives, engage the private financial sector, and conduct missions to member states to advise governments on economic development. Training seminars and workshops will be conducted, and UNDRR policies on risk-informed investment will be supported and coordinated. The role also includes supporting junior staff, participating in broader organizational undertakings, and performing administrative tasks.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in economic research, analysis, policy formulation, or application of economic principles in international development is required. Two years of experience specifically in disaster risk reduction financing initiatives is also necessary. Desirable experience includes working in LDCs, SIDS, or emerging markets on financing, building strategic partnerships with the financial and private sectors, and experience with multilateral development financing institutions.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Planning & Organizing, Client Orientation, ability to apply economic theories, conduct research, identify data sources, incorporate gender perspectives, and apply human rights- and gender-based approaches.